Illinois Senate approves sex education bill

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A proposal that revamps sex education in Illinois public schools to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases has cleared the state Senate.

Current state law says sex education should focus on abstinence as the "expected norm." Schools can opt out of teaching sex education altogether.

The bill senators approved Wednesday says sex education curriculum would still stress abstinence but include information on protection and STDs. Districts would still have the option of not teaching sex education and parents could chose to opt out their children.

Senators voted 37 to 21. The House approved it last month and a spokeswoman says Gov. Pat Quinn supports it.

Opponents say it's an issue of losing local control and abstinence-only programs teach valuable principles.